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Still Saturday: Alone with the Alone

May 12, 2012 By Sandra Heska King

 

Silence is not simply the absence of noise or the shutdown of communication with the outside world, but rather a process of coming to stillness. Silent solitude forges true speech. I’m not speaking of physical isolation; solitude here means being alone with the Alone, experiencing the transcendent Other and growing in awareness of one’s identity as the beloved. It is impossible to know another person intimately without spending time together. Silence makes this solitude a reality. It has been said, “Silence is solitude practiced in action.” ~Brennan Manning in Abba’s Child

Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details above, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.

Rest.

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Filed Under: stories and reflections

Comments

  1. Gayle says

    May 12, 2012 at 12:42 am

    I am really loving Still Saturday Sandra! Today I went with my camera and captured a few photos and put together a simple, “still” post.
    Love your post on silence. I recently worshiped with a Quaker congregation and found their silent service healing and beautiful.
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Gayle

    • Sandra says

      May 12, 2012 at 8:58 am

      Love that you are loving it. Your photos today were lovely–and made me think. I’d love to worship with Quakers sometime.

  2. Shelly Miller says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:59 am

    Love this quote by Manning, he is one of my favorites. I often need to read his words more than once to let them steep. And I am wondering if that is your grandaughter in the photo. Beautiful!
    I am finding myself memorized by stillness in the chaos of city life as I watch people here in England.

    • Sandra says

      May 12, 2012 at 8:57 am

      Yes, it’s Grace last summer in the upper peninsula.

      Stillness in the chaos–isn’t that what we’re all seeking?

      I’m hoping for some still time to go back and soak in your latest posts. xoxo

  3. Lyli@3dLessons4Life says

    May 12, 2012 at 9:06 am

    Love how the light shimmers on the water in this picture — I want to go there. 🙂

    • Sandra says

      May 12, 2012 at 9:43 am

      😀 😀

  4. Michelle DeRusha says

    May 12, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Honestly I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced that kind of silence and communion with God.

    Love the dazzling water in your photo, Sandy.

    • Sandra says

      May 12, 2012 at 9:56 am

      I don’t think I ever have, either, Michelle. And I’m craving it.

  5. Patricia @ Pollywog Creek says

    May 12, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Beautiful – photo, quote, the stillness of heart it inspires. Thank you for this, Sandra. xox

    • Sandra says

      May 12, 2012 at 9:57 am

      Thank you–for being. xoxo

  6. Monica Sharman says

    May 12, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I love that “alone” is not the same as “lonely.” 🙂

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:49 pm

      🙂

  7. Jen says

    May 12, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I have so much to learn about silence and stillness. As one who has grown up being afraid of silence, there is room in my heart for healing.

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:54 pm

      I’d like to know more about that, Jen…

  8. Heather Kopp says

    May 12, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    Hi Sandra, I just wanted to say hi and I like your blog. Anytime I see someone quoting Manning or Buechner, I know have found a friend.:)

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:55 pm

      😀 Nouwen. Do you like him?

  9. Laurie Collett says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Beautiful photo & post! Love in Him,
    Laurie

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:55 pm

      Thank you, Laurie.

  10. Shari @ Leaving A Legacy says

    May 12, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    Stunning picture. Beautiful words.

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks, Shari. I’m still meditating on them.

  11. Carol J. Garvin says

    May 13, 2012 at 1:37 am

    I’m late… not much of Saturday left here. But I wanted to say how much I appreciate these thoughts on silence, stillness and solitude. There is such refreshment in silence. It’s when we listen in silence that we are most apt to hear God’s whisper.

    Blessings to you, Sandy. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:58 pm

      Never too late for you, my friend. I’m glad you’re finding some nourishment. I’m so encouraged by all those who come by to link and share a piece of beauty.

  12. Rachel@GeekUnorthodox says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    I enjoyed joining in for Silent Saturday, thank you. I love the stillness your photo inspires. Happy Mothers Day!

    • Sandra says

      May 13, 2012 at 10:59 pm

      Welcome, Rachel. Hope you’ve had a restful (and fun) weekend.

  13. Jennifer Richardson says

    May 14, 2012 at 11:47 am

    oh how i love Brennan Manning
    and this silence and solitude
    he speaks so lovingly of
    …..makes my breath go deep
    and sweet
    just to dive alongside of you
    for a bit:)
    thank you,
    Jennifer

    • Sandra says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:06 pm

      Honored to dive with you, Jen.

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